With Austin County currently under a burn ban and dry conditions continuing across much of Texas, residents and hunters heading into the field this September are being urged to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is warning that ongoing drought conditions have left grasses, brush and other vegetation increasingly susceptible to ignition. The concern comes as hunting seasons begin across the state, bringing more people, vehicles, trailers and ATVs into rural areas where a single spark could ignite dry vegetation.

Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 1,078 wildfires that have burned 301,528 acres across the state so far this year. August saw a sharp increase in wildfire activity, with the agency responding to 313 fires that burned 121,774 acres.

Fire officials attribute the increase in part to the rapid development of flash drought conditions, which can quickly remove moisture from grasses, brush and timber and make them much easier to ignite.

While some of the most critically dry fuels have been reported in North, Central and East Texas, the current burn ban in Austin County serves as a reminder that wildfire precautions are also important locally.

Hunting Season Brings Additional Fire Risks

Approximately nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are caused by people, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Equipment use, including vehicles, trailers and ATVs, is the second-most common cause of human-caused wildfires in the state, behind debris burning.

That makes wildfire awareness particularly important during hunting season.

Hunters should avoid driving or parking vehicles on dry grass because hot exhaust systems and other vehicle components can ignite vegetation. ATVs and other equipment should also be operated carefully in areas with tall, dry grass or brush.

Anyone towing a trailer should check tires before traveling and make sure safety chains are secured and cannot drag along the roadway. Chains or loose metal striking pavement can produce sparks capable of starting roadside fires.

Burn Ban Remains in Effect in Austin County

Residents should remember that Austin County’s burn ban restricts outdoor burning while it remains in effect. Even activities that are not considered outdoor burning can create wildfire hazards when vegetation is extremely dry.

Texas A&M Forest Service recommends several precautions for hunters, campers and others spending time outdoors:

  • Avoid driving over or parking on dry grass.
  • Follow all county burn bans and outdoor burning restrictions.
  • Never leave a campfire or cooking fire unattended where fires are legally permitted.
  • Completely extinguish fires with water, stir the ashes and make sure everything is cold before leaving.
  • Inspect trailers to ensure tires are properly inflated and safety chains or other metal cannot drag on the roadway.
  • Keep water and a shovel readily available.
  • Carry a fire extinguisher on ATVs and other equipment.

With Austin County already under a burn ban, residents are encouraged to take the restrictions seriously and use additional caution during hunting season. Under dry conditions, something as simple as a hot vehicle parked in grass, a dragging trailer chain or a spark from equipment can be enough to start a wildfire.

More information about wildfire prevention and current burn bans is available through the Texas A&M Forest Service.